[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 22 (Monday, June 6, 2005)]
[Pages 934-935]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Memorandum on Order of Succession of Officers To Act as Secretary of 
Defense

June 2, 2005

Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense

Subject: Order of Succession of Officers to Act as Secretary of Defense

    Pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the United States, 
including section 3345(a) of title 5, United States Code, and 
notwithstanding Executive Order 13000 of April 24, 1996, I direct as 
follows:
    (1) In the event of the death, permanent disability, or resignation 
of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy shall act for and 
perform the duties of the Secretary of Defense as Acting Secretary of 
Defense.

[[Page 935]]

    (2) In the event of the temporary absence or temporary disability of 
the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy shall act for and 
perform the duties of the Secretary of Defense as Acting Secretary of 
Defense. In these instances, the designation as Acting Secretary of 
Defense applies only for the duration of the Secretary's absence or 
disability, and does not affect the authority of the Secretary to 
exercise during the absence, or to resume when the disability no longer 
exists, the powers of his office.
    (3) In all other respects, Executive Order 13000 of April 24, 1996, 
shall remain in effect.
    (4) This memorandum shall expire upon the appointment of a Deputy 
Secretary of Defense, unless sooner terminated by operation of law or by 
the President.
    (5) You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in 
the Federal Register.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:46 a.m., June 3, 2005]

Note: This memorandum was published in the Federal Register on June 6.